Can I stop Social Security after just one payment and return to work? Will I face penalties?

Yes, you can withdraw your Social Security application within 12 months of starting benefits. This is called a "withdrawal of application" and you'll need to file Form SSA-521. The catch is that you WILL have to repay all the benefits you've received so far, including any Medicare premiums deducted and benefits paid to any family members on your record. After repaying, it'll be like you never filed at all - no penalties, just a clean slate. Call SSA directly to start this process.

the same thing happened to my brother last year! he had to fill out a form and pay everything back. took about 2 months to process everything but then he was back at his old job making way more than SS was giving him

There are actually TWO options here, and you need to understand both: 1. WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION (Form SSA-521): As mentioned above, you can completely withdraw if it's been less than 12 months since you began receiving benefits. You repay EVERYTHING received (including Medicare premiums and family benefits). This is like hitting a reset button - you can file again later without penalty. 2. SUSPENSION DUE TO WORK: If you're under Full Retirement Age and earn over the 2025 annual limit ($21,240), SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. You don't repay anything already received. Your benefit amount will be recalculated when you reach FRA to account for months benefits were withheld. Which option is better depends on your age, how much you'll earn, and when you want to restart benefits. Option 1 is usually better if you want to maximize your benefit later by waiting until 70.

Just WAIT til the end of the year!! You can always fill out that form later, but if you do it now and then HATE the new job, you can't undo it! The SSA isn't going to care about one payment if you decide to withdraw in a few months. At least that's what happened with ME.

Have you tried calling the Social Security office to ask about this? I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to someone on the phone last month when I had a question about my RIB application. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours!!! So frustrating!! I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU So much better than wasting days trying to get through on your own. The agent I spoke with was actually helpful and was able to process my request right away. Might be worth trying since you need specific answers about your situation.

ssA HAS 30 DAY GRACE PERIOD you dont need to pay medicare back IF less than 30 days on benefits. atleast thats what they told my wife, the rules alwyas seem to change dependng who u talk to LOL

Going back to work is a SMART move if you can do it! I wish I had kept working instead of taking SS at 62. My benefit is so small now and I'm stuck with it. My sister waited until 68 and gets almost TWICE what I get every month! If you can withdraw now and wait, you'll be thanking yourself later.

Just to clarify a few points: 1. If you choose to withdraw your application (Form SSA-521), you must repay the full amount you received - there's no payment plan option for this. The repayment must be made in full. 2. If you choose to keep your application active but return to work: - Report your employment to SSA right away - If you're under Full Retirement Age and earn above $21,240 (2025 limit), benefits will be adjusted automatically - You may have months where you receive no payment due to high earnings - At Full Retirement Age, your benefit will be recalculated to give you credit for months benefits were withheld 3. For Medicare: If you withdraw your application, you'll need to decide whether to keep Medicare and pay premiums directly. If you have other health insurance through your new employer, you might consider whether to keep Part B.